Case information
8:26-cv-00279Case number
January 30, 2026Archived
CROA/FCSOACredit repair violations
- Court: US District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division
- Plaintiff: Scott W. Ouweleen
- Defendant: Clerk Credit Systems LLC
- Claims: Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) and Florida Credit Services Organization Act (FCSOA)
The story behind this lawsuit
According to the complaint, Scott Ouweleen had been looking for help improving his credit score since approximately September 2023. He eventually found Clerk Credit Systems online, where the company reportedly marketed its services to help consumers with credit improvement and loan approvals.
The complaint describes a phone call on or about July 8, 2025, during which a Clerk Credit Systems representative allegedly made several specific promises:
- The company would assess negative points on Ouweleen’s credit report and submit disputes to have them removed
- After reviewing his credit report, the company claimed it was able to remove virtually all of the derogatory information – not because it was inaccurate, but because “the paperwork was filled out incorrectly.”
- All negative information will be deleted within 45 days of registration
- Ouweleen’s credit score would improve substantially
The costs
The complaint alleges that Ouweleen was charged nearly $400 upfront, plus approximately $95 per month in ongoing fees. In addition to these disclosed amounts, the complaint alleges that he was also hit with additional, undisclosed “hidden junk fees” for what the complaint describes as “illusory services.”
The results
According to the complaint, despite months of payments, Ouweleen experienced no significant improvement in his credit rating. The complaint alleges that the company failed to remove the volume of negative information as promised because it disputed items that were accurate and had no reasonable basis for removal.
What the complaint alleges
The lawsuit raises two points:
Count I: Federal CROA Violations
- False and misleading statements about services (§1679b(a))
- Charging before services are provided — illegal advances (§1679b(b))
- Failure to provide required disclosures in a separate document (§1679c)
Item II: FCSOA Violations in Florida
- False or misleading statements in the sale of credit services (§817.7005)
- Engaging in deceptive practices in connection with credit services
Why advance costs are important: Under the federal Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies are prohibited from charging or receiving money before they have fully performed the services they agreed to. This is one of the most commonly violated provisions in credit repair law.
Who is Clerk Credit Systems?
According to the complaint, Clerk Credit Systems LLC is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Delaware with its principal place of business at 600 North Broad Street, Suite 5 #391, Middletown, Delaware 19709. The complaint describes it as a credit repair organization that provides consumers with services designed to improve their credit.
What this could mean for consumers
The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) provides important protections for consumers who use credit repair services. Key provisions include:
- Credit repair companies cannot charge you until they have fully performed the promised services
- They should not make false or misleading claims about what they can do
- They must provide specific written information in a separate document before you sign a contract
- You have the right to cancel within three working days
The complaint also notes that required CROA disclosures include informing consumers that no one has the right to have accurate, current and verifiable information removed from a credit report. According to the complaint, these disclosures were hidden in the same document as the contract and not provided separately.
Before you sign anything: If you are considering hiring a credit repair company, first execute their contract through the Contract Decoder. It’s free and it’s your last chance to spot warning signs before you commit.
Red Flag for Common Credit Repair: Any company that claims they can remove accurate, verified information from your credit report is making a promise that no one can legally keep. Only incorrect, outdated or unverifiable information can be legally challenged and removed.
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8:26-cv-00279-MSS-AEP - Select Court: Middle District of Florida
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Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the Credit Repair Organizations Act?
The CROA is a federal law that regulates credit repair companies. It prohibits deceptive practices, requires specific disclosures before consumers sign contracts, and prohibits credit repair companies from collecting fees before services are fully performed.
Can credit repair companies charge upfront fees?
Under federal law (15 USC §1679b(b)), credit repair organizations cannot charge or receive money for services until those services have been fully performed. This is one of the allegations in this lawsuit.
Can someone remove accurate information from my credit report?
No. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, only inaccurate, outdated, or unverifiable information can be disputed and removed. No company or individual has the legal right to remove accurate, current and verifiable information from a credit report.
What should I do if I think a credit repair company misled me?
For legal questions regarding your specific situation, please contact an attorney licensed in your state. You can also file complaints with the FTC, the CFPB, and your attorney general’s office.
Contact Clerk Credit Systems directly
If you have any questions about this lawsuit or are a current customer of Clerk Credit Systems, I encourage you to contact them directly rather than jumping to conclusions based on allegations alone:
- Address: 600 North Broad Street, Suite 5 #391, Middletown, DE 19709
A note for Clerk Credit Systems: I believe in fair coverage. If you would like to make a statement regarding this lawsuit to my readers, please contact me. I will add your response to this article so readers can hear your perspective.
TL; DR: Clerk Credit Systems LLC is facing a federal lawsuit alleging it charged illegal upfront fees, promised to remove negative credit items within 45 days and failed to deliver meaningful results. The complaint alleges violations of both federal and Florida credit repair laws. This is a complaint filing – accusations, not a verdict. Use the Contract Decoder before signing with a credit repair company.
(Source: CourtListener / US District Court, Middle District of Florida)
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